INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — One week after at least three tornadoes wreaked havoc in the county and destroyed dozens of homes, county officials now have an estimate of damages. The number is at least $55 million…for now, county officials said.
“(The number) will grow but not exponentially,” Indian River County Commissioner Joe Flescher said on Wednesday. “We checked infrastructures, roadways, households and businesses.”
Flescher said the estimate includes damages to public and private sectors. The commissioner said the county has an assessment team surveying the damages.
County officials, nonprofit organizations and volunteers have been providing resources, including comfort centers, free roof tarps, a multi-agency resource center, emergency shelter, help with FEMA assistance and more to help those impacted by the tornadoes.
Pictures and videos show the unexpected impact from the violent twisters spawned by Hurricane Milton. The plowing tornadoes blew roofs from homes, toppled walls and trees, and flipped vehicles. Many residents no longer have a home of their own and say they need help to rebuild.
The Indian River Community Foundation on Wednesday pledged $1 million to United Way of Indian River County’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. Each donation goes directly toward local disaster relief, helping families who have lost homes and are in need of immediate assistance, according to the recovery fund website.
“Right now, there is not a goal for the Disaster Recovery Fund. We know there is immense generosity in our community and the partnership with Indian River Community Foundation has allowed us to jump start this disaster fund,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “The road to recovery is long and while we are working to meet immediate necessities now, we are keeping an eye on the longer-term needs.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency – or FEMA – provided funding to 34 counties, including Indian River County, after President Biden approved a major disaster declaration last Friday for Florida. The funds assist individuals and households, along with emergency work and repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
Gov. DeSantis issued a state of emergency for Indian River County on Oct. 6 ahead of Hurricane Milton, allowing the county to receive state funds for hurricane relief. Indian River County Administrator John Titkanich declared a local state of emergency on Oct. 7.
Those who wish to donate can visit the United Way of Indian River County website or call 772-567-8900.
